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Recycled Steel Frames Within Dynamic Terraced Greenhouses

Authors:
Karolina Rogowska, Karolina Hajkowicz
Recycled Steel Frames Within Dynamic Terraced Greenhouses
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Constructed with recycled steel frames and integrated into the natural terrain, this restaurant features terraced greenhouses that enhance agricultural interaction while providing diverse dining experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a modular system of recycled steel frames.
02
Features terraced greenhouses that enhance environmental interaction.
03
Each building aligns with the site's natural topography.
04
Incorporates vertical divisions on façades for aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed for phased development to adapt to future needs.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is positioned in a landscape influenced by sandy ground movement and varied terrain. The design uses a modular approach that incorporates a series of connected buildings, allowing for flexibility in development. This layout encourages visitors to explore the site, creating interaction between the surrounding environment and the various spaces within. The restaurant serves multiple purposes, including dining, kitchen operations, and greenhouse facilities, all arranged to offer a cohesive experience.

Design Concept and Layout

The layout introduces a pathway that directs visitors across different levels of the terrain, highlighting the natural topography. Each building is carefully oriented to align with the landforms, fostering a sense of harmony with the external landscape. This arrangement not only promotes exploration but also encourages patrons to engage fully with the setting while enjoying the restaurant’s offerings.

Architectural Composition

The structure consists of various functional areas, featuring an entrance hall, dining room, bar, open kitchen, greenhouse, and storage spaces. Additional elements, such as staff rooms and terraces, enhance operational efficiency while creating a welcoming environment. The design prioritizes user experience, making it easy for guests to navigate between spaces, ultimately promoting both social interaction and individual comfort.

Sustainability and Construction Approach

The project emphasizes sustainability, a focus that is apparent in the construction methods. The greenhouses are built using a modular system of recycled steel frames, showcasing an efficient and environmentally friendly approach. Three-column cross-sections act as structural hangers for vegetable growth, directly linking agricultural elements to the overall design. This strategy strengthens the relationship between the building and its use, encouraging an active engagement with food production.

Development Phases

A phased development plan outlines future growth, starting with the main restaurant and two greenhouse units. Subsequent phases include a multipurpose hall and further facility expansions. This structured plan ensures that the design can adapt over time, meeting the evolving needs of its users while responding to the specific characteristics of the site.

As visitors approach the restaurant, they can observe the vertical divisions on the façades, which create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This visual detail enhances the building's character while establishing a connection to the thriving environments found within the greenhouses.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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